Junior Rangers

Since it was George Washington's actual birthday I led last week's visitors to Federal Hall on Wall Street.

If there's any location in this country that has a claim to being sacred to our democracy it is the Federal Hall site.  Although the original building is gone this is where freedom of speech and freedom of assembly were established.  It is the site of the first capitol.  Washington was sworn in as president and established the workings of the executive branch of government here.  The first Supreme Court and Congress met here.  The Bill of Rights were introduced here.  In 1842 a Customs House, the current building, was erected here.  In the pre-income tax days this is where most of the federal government's income was collected.  After Customs moved to a new building Federal Hall became the U.S. Sub-Treasury.  Until the Federal Reserve was established in 1920 the gold and silver that backed up the dollar was stored in the building's basement.

You'd think such an important building would be buzzing with activity but Federal Hall was pretty much empty while we were there.  Near as we could tell we were the only visitors to mention to the park rangers that we were visiting on Washington's actual birthday.

The two younger visitors undertook a rigorous quiz and scavenger hunt, took an oath in front of the flag to "share what they learned" and "explore, preserve and protect" the national parks.  Upon doing they were awarded badges as Federal Hall Junior Park Rangers.  On their next visit they will get an exclusive tour just for Junior Rangers.

Comments

[judy]

That was one of my favorite places during our visit. You are the best tour guide. I love how George and my kids all took an oath here. Emma's National Park book is out and they have been talking about it. left a good impression on them.

Happy Birthday Big Brother!!!!!

[Joe]

Thank you. I'm glad the girls got into it. We will go to the Grant Memorial next time.